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Paul Rowen
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Shadow Work and Pensions Minister
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Biography
Paul Rowen entered Parliament at his second attempt in 2005, gaining this seat from the Labour Party.
After attending Bishop Henshaw Memorial High School, Paul Rowen read Chemistry and Geology at Nottingham University. He taught for three years in Nottingham before returning to the North West. Before his election he was Deputy Head of Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College, Bradford. In his spare time he enjoys hill-walking, travel and reading.
Paul became involved with the Liberals as a Young Liberal in 1972 when he helped get Sir Cyril Smith elected to parliament. He was first elected to Rochdale Council in 1983, became leader of the Lib Dem Group in 1990 and was Council Leader between 1992 and 1996.
As an MP his work on local issues includes: the campaign to save maternity child care and obstetric services at Rochdale Infirmary; issue of contaminated brown field sites; smoke alarm provision; and the campaign against tuition fees.
He is a member of the Work and Pensions team and a Liberal Democrat Whip.
Council experience:
Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council: Chair housing 1985-86, Leader Liberal Democrat Group 1990, Leader 1992-96
Parliamentary experience:
2007- Shadow Work and Pensions Minister, Whip, 2005-07 Transport Spokesperson. Previously candidate here in 2001
Interests:
Education, housing, youth services, international development
Memberships:
ALDC Standing Committee 1996-99
General election 2005 result
Seat: Rochdale
Current MP: Paul Rowen
| Liberal Democrats | 41% | 16787 votes | |
| Labour | 40% | 16345 votes | |
| Conservatives | 11% | 4270 votes | |
| Others | 6% | 2272 votes |